Sunday Soccer

A rare Sunday soccer match found the Dynamo on the short end of the score against the Blue Knights. Emma had a very good game, hustling on defense and stopping several shots as keeper.

Here's an example of her helping on defense.

One of the many goals she prevented -

Emma got the assist on our lone score. Here she moves the ball down field before completing a wonderful pass.

The rest of the days photos are here.

Squirrel

Using a longer lens I rented for soccer, I captured one of the squirrels availing himself of our backyard feeder.

Dynamo Soccer

Emma's fall soccer season has started. And now she's a Dynamo! I think she's just happy the uniforms are different from the previous seasons.

Let's get right to the highlights. Emma had a tremendous day on defense. Closing your eyes lessens the pain of the ball slamming into you.

No one could get past her to score. Here she clears the ball and launches the offense on a break.

Emma's teammates are much better at passing the ball and setting up shots. If we could just get rid of the goalkeeper...

In the second half, Emma stood her time in goal. This is the best action shot as the other team's offense never crossed midfield. Maybe next time she'll bring a book.

The rest of the day's photos are here. Enjoy.

Emma's Book Poster

Emma's English teacher picked her to create a poster about her favorite book series. Since Emma's a big Disney World fanatic, she picked the Kingdom Keepers books. They all have plots based on various Disney theme parks. You can click on the photo to read the details.

Claire Reports the Weather

Claire and the Giraffes

One cool thing about the new Africa exhibit at the Houston Zoo is the chance to feed the giraffes. Here's Claire taking on the beasts:

And yes, that is Claire's all-purpose pink shirt. Can't leave home without it.

Claire's Day at the Zoo

Claire suffered through a school holiday by going to the zoo. As one would expect, she set the pace and the agenda.

The main attraction this summer is Dinosaurs! So that was our first stop.

A carousel ride is always on the agenda. With the sparse crowd (all the other area schools were in session), Claire got her pick of the animals. Went with the Red Panda.

On the way to the Africa Forest exhibit, we got a good look at the male lion, right before he fell over for a nap.

Claire tries out a Halloween mask.

Some of her African favorites.

The bald eagle at the Children's Zoo:

Next on the agenda - the Primates.

And the final destination - the Red Panda.